Fall in Old Forge, NY: Where to Stay & Things to Do for an Adirondack Getaway
Crisp air, colorful mountains, peaceful waterways, and seasonal events make fall an especially scenic time to visit Old Forge, NY. In this part of the Adirondacks, foliage typically reaches its peak in late September and early October, turning the surrounding forests shades of red, orange, and gold.
A fall getaway can be as active or relaxed as you'd like. Hike to a scenic overlook, paddle beneath colorful trees, ride a chairlift above the foliage, or spend an afternoon exploring the village. Seasonal events add even more reasons to plan a weekend away.
Use our Old Forge Fall Guide below to help you build out your own itinerary this year.
Where to Stay in Old Forge This Fall
Before deciding what to do, find the right place to stay. From wooded camping cabins to cozy in-town cottages and waterfront accommodations, these Old Forge lodging options make a great home base for your fall adventures.
Old Forge Camping Resort
Old Forge Camping Resort is a natural fit for travelers who want to surround themselves with Adirondack scenery throughout their stay. The year-round resort offers cabins, cottages, RV sites, and tent sites, so visitors can choose just how rustic they want their fall getaway to be.
Fall evenings are made for sitting around a fire, and RV and tent sites come with a picnic table and fire circle. Around the property, guests will also find amenities such as picnic areas, grills, a playground, restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, a camp store, and even a dog park for four-legged travelers.
Families visiting later in the season can also get into the Halloween spirit. The campground is decorated from mid-September through October, with special Halloween Autumn Adventure weekends planned throughout the fall.
Village Cottages
Want a cozy place to stay within easy reach of downtown? Village Cottages offers 10 charming cottages in a quiet residential neighborhood just one block from Main Street.
The convenient location works especially well for couples, families, and small groups who want to spend their days exploring but still be close to the heart of Old Forge. Head out for a morning hike, browse local shops in the afternoon, grab dinner, and then return to your own cottage at the end of the day.
Cabins are fully equipped, pet friendly, and there are studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options available. That flexibility makes Village Cottages a great choice for families or groups of friends planning a fall weekend together.
The Lakes
Fall foliage is even more impressive when it's reflected across an Adirondack lake. The Lakes in Old Forge offers 10 cottages on prime waterfront property along the Fulton Chain of Lakes.
Guests can enjoy the scenic setting from Adirondack chairs and fire pits outside the cottages or get directly onto the water. Kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards are included, and boat rentals are offered on-site. The property also features a bathing beach, Wi-Fi, air conditioning in every cabin, and pet-friendly accommodations.
For couples, families, or larger groups hoping to combine a relaxing stay with easy access to the water, The Lakes provides a welcoming home base for any Old Forge getaway.
Fall Leaf Peeping & Hiking Around Old Forge
Fall is one of the best times to hit the trails around Old Forge. Cooler temperatures make hiking comfortable, and the changing leaves transform familiar Adirondack views.
Note: Peak color in the area typically arrives in late September and early October, although the timing changes from year to year depending on weather conditions. For reference, the Old Forge area reported 90% color change and peak conditions during the week of September 29 through October 5 in 2025.
Rocky Mountain
If you want to fit a hike into a busy day of sightseeing, Rocky Mountain is a great option. The trailhead sits along Route 28, about a mile northwest of Inlet, and the round trip is about one mile. It's short but steep, and the open summit rewards hikers with views of Fourth Lake on the Fulton Chain, along with Inlet and Eagle Bay.
The quick trek makes it easy to pair with shopping, dining, or another Old Forge area attraction. It's also a popular pick for families, and dogs are allowed on leash.
Bald Mountain and the Rondaxe Fire Tower
For one of the area's classic Adirondack experiences, head to Bald Mountain, also known as Rondaxe Mountain. The trailhead is off Rondaxe Road, about 4.5 miles north of the Old Forge Visitor Information Center on Route 28. The hike is about a mile to the summit, taking roughly 30 to 40 minutes, with views of the Fulton Chain of Lakes and a historic fire tower at the top.
Take your time at the summit. There's plenty of space to sit and take in the view, and the fire tower offers an even higher vantage point over the fall colors.
Bubb and Sis Lakes
Not every fall outing needs to involve a summit. Bubb and Sis Lakes offer a quieter walk through the woods, with a trail of about 2.3 miles that takes roughly an hour. The trail is rated beginner to intermediate, with some early climbing before it levels out past two scenic lakes.
The trailhead is on the north side of Route 28, about 7.6 miles north of the Old Forge Visitor Information Center. Keep an eye on the water, since loons are sometimes spotted on the lakes.
See our Adirondack Hiking Guide for more trails and tips >>
Halloween Autumn Adventure in Old Forge
For families, fall at Old Forge Camping Resort brings more than colorful leaves and campfires. Halloween Autumn Adventure turns select September and October weekends into seasonal getaways filled with costumes, decorations, and family activities.
Celebrate Halloween Autumn Adventure at the Campground
In 2026, Halloween Autumn Adventure weekends are scheduled for:
- September 18–19
- September 25–26
- October 2–3
- October 9–10
- October 16–17
- October 23–24
At the campground, families can look forward to activities such as trick-or-treating, a costume parade, site-decorating contests, family hayrides, Halloween fun on Friday and Saturday nights, and a pumpkin-carving contest where participants bring their own pumpkins.
Can't make one of the event weekends? The resort stays decorated throughout October, so midweek visitors can still enjoy the Halloween atmosphere without the full weekend schedule.
Extend the Halloween Fun at Water Safari
The Halloween celebration extends next door to Enchanted Forest Water Safari on select Saturdays. Autumn Adventure at Water Safari is scheduled for September 19 and 26 and October 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2026.
Although the water attractions have closed for the regular season, families can experience select dry rides, the Haunted Train, Storybook Lane, trick-or-treating, crafts, games, seasonal food, photo opportunities, and costume contests. New for 2026, Paul Bunyan's Log Haul family roller coaster is also scheduled to operate during Autumn Adventure.
The Water Safari portion isn't limited to overnight guests. General visitors can purchase advance tickets online, while registered Old Forge Camping Resort guests receive admission according to the resort's ticket requirements.
Staying at the Camping Resort, however, means families can make a full weekend of it and enjoy activities at both properties rather than heading home after an afternoon of Halloween fun.
Fun Fall Activities at McCauley Mountain
McCauley Mountain gives fall visitors two ways to take in the foliage around Old Forge: a relaxed scenic chairlift ride or a faster-paced outing on its mountain bike trails.
Scenic Chairlift Rides
Want the mountain views without hiking to a summit? A scenic chairlift ride at McCauley Mountain lets you take in the Adirondacks from above.
The ride offers views over the historic Fulton Chain of Lakes and toward the High Peaks. On clear days, you may even spot Whiteface Mountain and Mount Marcy on the horizon. Fall adds an extra layer to the scenery as the forest below turns red, yellow, and orange.
McCauley's scenic chairlift operates from late June through Columbus Day, with hours changing after Labor Day. Because fall operations can vary, check the current schedule before making the trip.
Mountain Biking
For a faster-paced outing, trade the chairlift for two wheels. McCauley Mountain has become a destination for mountain biking, with trails around the mountain offering options for riders with different experience levels.
Fall is an especially scenic time to ride, with cooler temperatures and colorful forest surrounding the trail network.
Fall Paddling in Old Forge: See the Foliage From the Water
Some of Old Forge's best fall views aren't found on a mountaintop. They're found right at water level.
A canoe or kayak lets you explore the area's waterways at a slower pace, with fall colors lining the shoreline and reflecting across the water.
Guests staying at The Lakes have an easy way to get started. Kayaks, canoes, and SUPs are included with a stay, and boat rentals are available on-site.
Old Forge Camping Resort is another option for travelers who want to incorporate paddling into their stay. The resort has access to Lake Serene, where canoes and paddleboats can be rented for exploring the water.
Beyond your home base, there's plenty of water to explore. The Fulton Chain of Lakes begins in Old Forge, offering a long string of connected lakes for flatwater paddling. For a more winding route, the North Branch of the Moose River has a slow current and meandering turns, with chances to spot waterfowl, beavers, and otters along the way.
Remember that fall brings colder water temperatures and changing weather conditions. Check the forecast, dress appropriately, and use a properly fitted life jacket before heading out.
Best Fall Events in Old Forge
Old Forge's fall calendar offers you another reason to choose a weekend and start planning. From mountain biking to Oktoberfest celebrations, seasonal events pair easily with foliage sightseeing and other outdoor activities.
Old Forge Marathon Weekend
Old Forge Marathon Weekend on September 10–13, 2026, gives runners a way to experience the Adirondacks in fall. Race options include an Ultra 50K, full or half marathon, 10K, and 5K, along with the ADKrazy, Super Loon, and Loon Challenge for runners who want an extra test. The weekend also includes the Ky-Tri, a paddle and bike event, and the Gravel Grinder for cyclists.
The Adirondack Canoe Classic (The 90-Miler)
The Adirondack Canoe Classic, better known as the 90-Miler, takes place September 11–13, 2026. The race is an Adirondack tradition dating back over four decades, drawing more than 500 competitors each year to a 90-mile route through lakes, rivers, and carries in canoes, kayaks, guideboats, and other paddlecraft.
Adirondack Mountain Bike Festival
The Adirondack Mountain Bike Festival returns to McCauley Mountain on September 25–26, 2026, with free admission.
The festival welcomes experienced mountain bikers, beginners, and people who are simply curious about the sport. Visitors can check out vendors and exhibitors, demo bikes, participate in guided trail rides, explore the trail network, and enjoy food and music.
With fall colors surrounding McCauley Mountain, it's also an excellent weekend to combine biking with other foliage activities around Old Forge.
Old Forge Oktoberfest
Keep the fall celebrations going during Old Forge Oktoberfest on October 2–3, 2026 at the North Street Pavilion.
This two-day event celebrates the season with hayrides, food and drinks, dancing, vendors, festive pumpkins, games, crafts, and more.
The timing also falls right around Old Forge's typical peak foliage period, making Oktoberfest weekend a natural opportunity to combine an event with hiking, sightseeing, and a scenic overnight stay.
Where to Eat in Old Forge
After hiking, biking, paddling, or exploring downtown, settle in for something to eat. Old Forge has options ranging from morning coffee and casual pub fare to sit-down dinners.
Blue Line Coffee House is open daily for coffee and a casual bite, while Front Door Diner serves breakfast and lunch most days.
For dinner, options include Billy's Restaurant, Frankie's Taste of Italy, and Slickers Adirondack Tavern. Fulton Chain Craft Brewery is another stop for visitors interested in pairing their fall trip with locally brewed craft beer.
Check current days and hours before heading out, particularly later in October.
Start Planning Your Fall Getaway to Old Forge
There's a lot to fit into a fall day in Old Forge, but staying overnight gives you more time to experience the season without rushing from one stop to the next.
Book a cabin or cottage at Old Forge Camping Resort if campfires, wooded surroundings, and seasonal family activities sound like your kind of getaway. Choose Village Cottages for a cozy stay just a block from Main Street, or settle in along the Fulton Chain at The Lakes for a waterfront escape with paddling right outside your door.
Once you've picked your home base, fill your fall itinerary with colorful hikes, scenic chairlift rides, paddling, seasonal events, local dining, and plenty of time to simply enjoy the Adirondacks at one of their most beautiful times of year.
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